RMMagid

Hi. I'm looking to get some new tires for my 79 and I want to replace my current Cooper Cobras. My biggest concern is road noise and I would like to get something to reduce it.

My tire size is 225-70-R15.

I was thinking of going with Firestone Destination LE2's. I know it's a SUV tire and many people swear by the BFG Radial GT's but again I'm looking for a quiet ride. I'm not looking for something to take out on the track.

The LE2's have the best noise ratings on tire rack but then again that's mostly for people reviewing in on trucks and SUV's and it's subjective.

Does anyone have any experience with these tires and can maybe shed some insight?

Thanks!

MelWff

None of the 15" tires for your car are intended for the track they are all either S or T rated. I would stay away from a tire intended for light trucks. Go for the BF Goodrich tire.
How old are the current Coopers, as a tire ages it can become stiffer and nosier.

RMMagid

I'm not sure how old they are. They were on the car when I bought it 5 years ago. They are ready to go. The LE2 is a T rating but it does say light/ medium truck. I was just curious if anyone had tried them or not. They are cheaper and seem to have a longer tread life then the BFG.

MelWff

the age code is on the inside , tirerack shows you how to read it, week and year of manufacture.

RMMagid

Good to know. I can take a look later after work when I get it home. I'm not sure it matters anyway. Good ole Lincolns head is sticking out and I looked online at what those cooper treads should look like and I can't even see the design lines anymore in the center tread.

Is there anything dangerous or just bad about using an SUV tire? I realize it might not be the most atheistic choice but if it gives me the nice quiet and smooth ride I'd be ok with it. Not to mention they were like $50 less a tire.

69Vett

you want a soft tire for quiet, BF Goodrich is a good suggestion.
longer thread life... harder tire ~ generally more noise.

stoutstuff

Heads up, I work for Cooper although I have sold other brands in another life. A lot of the delema with these 15" tires for C3's is the technology isn't new or up to today's new car standards. The numbers just don't create any demand to invest and upgrade. The Firestone SUV tires will work just fine but I doubt you'll notice a big difference other than new tread and harmonics. Actually a new tire will most likely be a little noisier just because there's more tread unless your old tires had a wear pattern singing to you. Between the mufflers, engine and suspension on my 78 the fresh Cobra's are the least of my road noise worries.

RMMagid

I think I may go with the BFG Radial T/A's. I think I can get a decent deal though Costco. Still more expensive then the Firestone or Cooper tires but hopefully they will be worth it.

Roughrider

I have Cooper touring tires on my '69 427/435 convertible and find them very good riding and not noisy at all. But then...with that 427, solid lifters and loud mufflers I probably couldn't hear the tires if they had snow chains on them.

RMMagid

Just incase anyone was curious. The tires were made in 2001. I'd say that 14 years was a pretty good run.

MelWff

You are about 4 years overdue, that is part of the noise problem, hard rubber.

stoutstuff

Your air pressure is another factor. Higher will transmit more vibrations and sound through the suspension.

bkvette3